A video shows the dark smoke from the Jones Road Fire burning near Barnegat, New Jersey on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
BARNEGAT, NJ — A quickly spreading wildfire near the New Jersey shore caused officials to order evacuations near the Garden State Parkway as dark smoke poured into the Jersey Shore region.
The Jones Road Wildfire sparked on Tuesday in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area near Barnegat Township in Ocean County. As of Tuesday afternoon, it had consumed 150 acres and was uncontrolled.
According to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, mandatory evacuations are in place on Wells Mills Road from Bryant Road to the Garden State Parkway.
The fire is threatening at least 12 structures along Bryant Road and Wells Mills Road, according to the fire service.
A dark cloud of smoke above homes in Barnegat, New Jersey on April 22, 2025 from the Jones Road Fire.
(FOX Weather)
Dark smoke and ash can be seen across the Garden State Parkway in surrounding Ocean County communities, including Toms River and closer to the beach in Seaside Heights.
Forest Fire Service fire engines, bulldozers, ground crews and air support are responding to the fire.
The cause of the Jones Road Wildfire is under investigation.